TAKING THE PONO PLEDGE

Do you know the meaning Kuleana?

See how Hawaiians use the word to holistically maintain the Islands’ authentic and sustainable beauty!

We all are familiar with the Hawaiian words Aloha, mahalo, hula and luau. However, there is one word that reflects a unique Hawaiian value and practice – Kuleana.

The word is loosely translated to mean “responsibility.” But for Hawaiians, it is an interchangeable relationship between its people and the land. To have Kuleana for the land is to care for it and respect it. In return, The Land provides the resources of food, water, shelter, and protection.

The beautiful islands of Hawaii are one of the most popular destinations in the country, however, they have the highest price of electricity in the nation (nearly 3x the price than on the mainland), and that means taking extra measures and sparing resources in order to be responsible.

In 2015, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to mandate a complete transition to renewable energy by the year 2045. The state’s exceptionally high-energy prices and an ingrained environmental ethos have compelled Hawaii to position itself as a pioneer in the quest to be free of fossil fuel in the near future.

Additionally, educating visitors on how they, too, can embrace Kuleana during their stay is a top priority for islanders. The Pono Pledge, a recent initiative on the island of Hawaii encourages the people who reside and more importantly visitors to take an oath to the land.

The words “He pilina wehena ‘ole ke aloha honua” translate into “One’s love for the planet is an inseverable relationship.” In essence, a pledge to appreciate and respect the island’s natural beauty with reverence and responsibly without disrupting or endangering the land, natural resources, or the community. We all have a responsibility to respect and care for it so it may be preserved for the next generations to come.

As we travel to the islands to launch CIRQ+ we have taken the pledge. Energy is one of the most easily controlled costs for Hoteliers. CIRQ+ can reduce hotel energy consumption from 20 to 50%, improve operating costs, enhance the guest experience as well as demonstrate the properties/resorts committed to sharing the island’s wonders—reverently and responsibly.

We hope you take the Pono Pledge too. Then visit us at the Hawaii Buildings, Facilities and Property Management Expo March 11 and 12 from 9 am to 4 pm, Booth #98 at the Neal Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii. Learn more!